Harold N. Fisk: a luminescent man

The publication of the “Geological Investigation of the Alluvial Valley of the Lower Mississippi River” (Fisk, 1944) was the greatest achievement of Harold N. Fisk's remarkable career. Its creative rigor and vision marked a great leap forward in understanding the alluvial and sedimentological processes of the Mississippi Valley and the fundamental value of these insights to river engineering strategies and techniques. Fisk's monumental effort shares many common elements with great strides in other disciplines made during this era. The period from the 1920s to the 1940s was marked by breakthroughs in fields such as hydraulics, medicine, chemistry, and small-particle physics that featured grand vistas of discovery. Fisk's triumph, as in other cases, can be attributed to factors that supplemented and complemented his personal scientific brilliance. He displayed less tangible elements of personality, shrewdness, and leadership that enabled him to attract interest and support for his undertakings, build a highly devoted team of associates, maintain the confidence of sponsors, and “market” his discoveries through clever media relations. This remarkable and in some respects enigmatic man was able to make the most of his opportunities in much the same way as his stellar contemporaries. Doggedness, vision, insight, personal qualities, and the availability of Federal needs and generous funding were all synergetic, crucial elements in the preparation and acceptance of the “Fisk Report.”